Together with The University of Birmingham India Institute, we are delighted to invite you to join us for our SPIRIT OF DIWALI virtual concert. Available to watch for free online from Wednesday 11 November on our YouTube channel, this special show takes the Spirit of Diwali celebrations from across the world and brings them to you, with the message of Diwali:
Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamayo – Lead Me To Light From Darkness.
Watch the teaser trailer below.
Our Director, Piali Ray says: “We are delighted to share the enjoyment and positive energy of this festive season with you all. Let the illumination of the Diwali lights provide true enlightenment for us all to look ahead with happiness, compassion and optimism.”
The concert is narrated by Reena Tailor (Bollywood and Kathak dancer and Artistic Director of Bollywood Dreams Dance Academy), Vimal Korpal (stage, television and film actor and radio presenter) and Dharmesh Rajput (Lecturer in Media Production, Birmingham City University and Head of Cinema, Birmingham Indian Film Festival). The programme includes a feast of spectacular dance, music and performances from a host of leading international artists.
With work ranging from rock, authentic classical and fusion music, contemporary music director Amit Trivedi shares a joyous welcome song featuring artists from all over the world, choreographed by the renowned Shampa Gopikrishna and Bertwin D’souza, and celebrating the happiness and prosperity from Lord Ganesha’s blessings. Bringing together the best musicians and dancers across 60 international cities to collaborate on music videos viewed by millions of people globally, IndianRaga present Aadu Pambe – a Bharatanatyam dance about the mystical snake filmed amidst the sands and camels of the Arabian Desert!
Internationally renowned for his Kathak dancing, Ludhiana’s Kumar Sharma teams up with this year’s Russia’s Got Talent semi-finalist Svetlana Tulasi and the inimitable Kathak Rockers to bring us their electrifying interpretation of Despacito. Having won audiences worldwide with their globally popular Balcony Concert series filmed during lockdown, Pune-based sisters Antara and Ankita Nandy share some of their music that has gone viral as the Nandy Sisters.
Award-winning sitarist, composer and producer, Jasdeep Singh Degun was awarded a Sky Academy Scholarship to work on his debut album of contemporary and classical music, Anomaly, and has played at prestigious venues around the world. Here he performs music in his signature versatile style, with a dedication to the classical tradition. Got Talent España semi-finalist Sneha Mistri is a dancer, choreographer and performer from the UK currently based in Madrid. In the SPIRIT OF DIWALI, she brings us a duet with the acclaimed Mumbai choreographer and Bollywood dancer, Devesh Mirchandani.
Having founded the first British Gujarati folk dance movement, Raas Rebellion, dancer and performer Parle Patel was awarded the 2015 Asian Media Award for the Best Online Channel for his hugely popular YouTube platform. British born, internationally recognised Gujarati folk singer, Pritee Varsani has released several albums following her debut Om Shiv Omkara and has performed with artists worldwide from Lalita Ghodadra to Imran Khan. Together Parle and Pritee perform their Gujarati song Ranjaniyu Reloaded, packed with colour, charisma and a whole lot of character.
Winner of the 2011 Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution towards Creative and Experimental Dance, internationally acclaimed choreographer and dancer Tanusree Shankar presents her choreographed performance We the Living, based on a Sanskrit Hymn which celebrates life in harmony with nature.
In the true spirit of Diwali, we welcome you to share in our hope of dispelling darkness from all corners of the world and to shine a ray of happiness in all our lives. Let us celebrate light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair and make this world a better place to live in.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Diwali and a joyful festive season.